Down Syndrome Breastfeeding

All Downs babies have different degrees or severity of the disorder, so some babies may find it more difficult to breastfeed than others.

As your baby gets stronger, breastfeeding will just get easier and easier. All babies and moms need some time to get accustomed to breastfeeding

Down syndrome breastfeeding ~ Advantages

- Improved tongue and mouth coordination which will result in less speech problems.

- Protection from bowl problems and infections. Infants with

infections than other babies.

- Bonding between mom and child, especially needed to help baby fulfill his/hers full potential in life and to help mom come to terms with the situation.

- Breastfeeding lowers the chances of obesity later on in life, which is quite common in Downs syndrome children.

- Breast milk promotes optimal brain development. This increased brain stimulation through DHA in breast milk is extremely valuable for Down syndrome newborns.

- The other benefits of breastfeeding for all babies

Down syndrome breastfeeding ~ Difficulties

- A baby with down syndrome has a lower muscle tone and this makes it more difficult for baby to stay latched on. That’s why it’s so important that baby breastfeeds, as breastfeeding will help improve muscle tone in baby’s face.

- Babies with Down syndrome often have a very flat tongue which makes it difficult to swallow milk.

- Breastfeeding does usually take longer when breastfeeding a Down syndrome baby.

- A down syndrome baby is usually sleepier in the first few weeks than other babies. Read more on how to keep a baby awake for breastfeeding.

- If mom has a low milk supply and needs to start supplementing baby it's best to start using a lactation aid “supplementary nursing system”. Watch the video here.

Down syndrome breastfeeding ~ Tips

Tips on breastfeeding a Down syndrome baby

- Give baby extra head and jaw support at the breast so that he doesn’t need to use all his energy at keeping his head in position.

- Before breastfeeding baby, you can hand express or pump a little milk just until your milk starts to flow. This is done because Down's syndrome infants sometimes don’t suck hard enough to get the milk flowing.

- A mom with a Down's syndrome infant will find it easier to breastfeed baby in a breastfeeding sling, this way baby has full on access to the breast most of the time. Read more on breastfeeding baby in a sling.

- If you find that your milk supply is a little low you can start pumping with breastfeeding.

- Some moms have found that breastfeeding their baby upright helps, especially if baby is choking and coughing at the breast.

- Try different breastfeeding positions until you find one that is comfortable for you both.

- It is important to make sure that baby is getting enough milk, feed frequently and breastfeed at least every two hours.

- Burp baby often, as he might swallow more air than other babies while breastfeeding. Read more on burping baby here.

- Feed baby as frequent as possible

- Skin on skin contact is beneficial

- See a lactation consultant if possible.

-  Baby keeps sleeping when breastfeeding

-  Let down reflex problems

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